Health and wellbeing – Page 257 – The NEN

One in 10 Scots say brain health has deteriorated in pandemic

Poll shows two-thirds have thought about improving health, as new Alzheimer’s Research UK campaign encourages public to Think Brain Health
Broadcaster Suzi Perry voices campaign film outlining three rules for brain health

More than one in 10 adults in Scotland (15%) believe their brain health has declined since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, new polling by Alzheimer’s Research UK has revealed, with two-thirds (65%) saying the pandemic has prompted them to think about making changes to improve their health.

The news comes as Alzheimer’s Research UK launches Think Brain Health, a bold new awareness campaign to empower people to keep their brains healthy throughout life and ultimately, help reduce their risk of dementia.

The digital campaign is backed by the latest research and focuses on three rules for brain health – looking after heart health, staying sharp and keeping connected.

Think Brain Health is backed by broadcast journalist Suzi Perry, who lost her grandmother Mary to Alzheimer’s disease – the most common cause of dementia. Suzi, known for her work on BT Sport’s Motorsport coverage and F1 coverage for the BBC, has voiced an animation introducing the campaign.

The campaign was developed with the support of Warburtons and parkrun, and is further backed at launch by Alzheimer’s Research UK partner Garmin.

Alzheimer’s Research UK has also worked with the Royal Society for Public Health to launch a joint policy report on brain health, recommending the development of a national brain health strategy to enable everyone to take positive steps to look after their brains throughout life.

The report calls on government and public health bodies to take this opportunity to embed brain health messaging for all age groups, implement cost-effective interventions that promote brain health and fund more research into dementia prevention.

As well as being influenced by our age and genetics, the 2020 Lancet Commission on dementia suggests that up to 40% of dementia cases could be linked to 12 risk factors that we may be able to influence, including high blood pressure, physical inactivity, smoking, low social contact and depression.

With polling showing that people’s awareness of dementia has increased due to the pandemic (11% of Scotland respondents reporting an increased awareness) and a third of people in Scotland (33%) saying dementia is their most feared health condition, the charity believes now is the opportune time to support people to take positive action, particularly with new lockdown measures in place.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign aims to increase awareness of three rules for improving brain health:

Looking after heart health, by exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet and keeping blood pressure, weight and cholesterol in check.
Staying sharp, by taking part in activities that keep the brain active.
And keeping connected, by staying socially active and connecting with other people.

Visitors to thinkbrainhealth.org.uk can test their brain health knowledge with a quiz, as well as learning more through expert blogs and articles. The campaign is primarily aimed at people in midlife, who could stand to gain the most from adopting healthy habits that could reduce their risk of dementia.

Having witnessed the decline of her mother with suspected dementia, Mary Sparling is determined to do what she can to maintain her brain health.

The 59-year-old, from Dunfermline, whose mum, Helen, died in November 2019, keeps herself fit playing tennis, doing yoga and walking her black Labrador, Sam. The retired teacher also keeps her brain active by learning Spanish.

Mary said: “Into her 90s my mum was still so sharp. But around April 2019 I realised she was starting to need a lot more support and from there her decline was quite fast.

“It got to the point where she needed 24-hour support, so I decided to retire from work a little earlier than I’d planned to care for her. We were in the process of getting her a formal dementia diagnosis when she died of a presumed heart attack.

“Although in the end it wasn’t a long-drawn out affair, it was still an incredibly difficult and exhausting time. She would have bouts of confusion and delirium that were very distressing and there were times when she didn’t know who I was.

“Having seen what my mum went through it makes me more aware of my own vulnerability. The activities I do provide me with so many benefits, but it also gives me that extra motivation to keep them up by knowing I’m also helping to maintain my brain health.”

Hilary Evans, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll in many ways, and it’s deeply worrying that one in 10 of us fear it’s had a negative effect on our brain health.

“But positively, our polling shows that the pandemic has also made people more aware of their health, so we want to take this opportunity to set out some simple steps to help people think about their brain.

“While national lockdown is making many aspects of our lives more difficult, there are still things you can do every day to look after your brain and the Think Brain Health campaign shows you how.

“Our brains control everything we do, from storing precious memories to helping us read and write – they define who we are. Sadly, every year, more and more families experience the devastation caused when physical diseases like Alzheimer’s take hold of the brain.

“The good news is that while there’s no sure-fire way to prevent dementia, research suggests that 40% of cases could be down to factors that we may be able to influence. We must do all we can to capitalise on this powerful opportunity and ultimately, reduce the number of people who will go on to develop dementia in future.

“There is a clear appetite among the public to improve their health and looking after the brain must become a core part of our approach to good overall health. The time is right for a national brain health strategy to enable everyone to keep their brains healthy – and Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Think Brain Health campaign is an important first step.”

To find out more, visit thinkbrainhealth.org.uk

7 in 10 requests for furlough turned down for working mums

Over 50,000 working mums respond to new TUC survey on challenges of managing work and childcare during lockdown
Working mums report huge levels of anxiety and stress following school closures
TUC calls for an emergency temporary right to furlough for working parents – and for government to promote this new right to mums and dads

Nearly three-quarters (71%) of working mums who have applied for furlough following the latest school closures have had their requests turned down, according to a new TUC survey carried out in the past week and published today (Thursday).

The job retention scheme currently allows bosses to furlough parents who can’t work due to a lack of childcare.

But the TUC says many mums are missing out on this financial lifeline as the scheme is not promoted to parents.

The union body is also concerned some employers are refusing to furlough those who request it, leaving mums in an impossible situation where they are forced to reduce their hours at work, take unpaid leave and annual leave to cope, or leave their job altogether.

TUC survey

Last week, the TUC and campaigner Mother Pukka launched a call for evidence for working mums to share their experiences of how they are managing their work and childcare commitments during lockdown.

More than 50,000 mums got in touch – an unprecedented response to a survey of this kind.

Of those working mums who contacted the TUC:

Nearly three-quarters (71%) who asked for furlough had their requests refused.
Most (78%) hadn’t been offered furlough by their employers.
And 2 in 5 (40%) of all mums who replied were unaware that the furlough scheme was available to parents affected by school or nursery closures.

Impact on working mums

Working mums told the TUC they were struggling with the strain of being expected to carry out their jobs as normal, while balancing childcare and home-schooling. They were also concerned about being treated badly by their employers as a result:

Nearly all (90%) of those who replied said that their anxiety and stress levels had increased during this latest lockdown.
And almost half (48%) were worried about being treated negatively by their employers because of their childcare responsibilities.

Financial strain

Around half (44%) of mums told the TUC they were worried about the impact having to take time off work would have on their household finances.

A quarter (25%) of mums were using annual leave to manage their childcare – but nearly 1 in 5 (18%) had been forced to reduce their working hours and around 1 in 14 (7%) were taking unpaid leave from work and receiving no income.

An emergency right to furlough

The TUC says that the UK’s inadequate system of parental leave and woefully low level of sick pay is leaving parents in impossible situations, where they risk losing their job or facing a catastrophic loss of income.

To support these workers, the TUC is calling on ministers to introduce a temporary right to furlough for groups who cannot work because of coronavirus restrictions – both parents and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and required to shield. And ministers should clarify that furlough can be used by both private and public sector employers for these purposes.

The union body says employers should first explore with parents and those shielding whether other measures – such as offering additional paid leave, changes to working hours or other flexibilities like working from home, and offering alternative work – could help the worker balance their responsibilities, but that as a last resort, workers should have the right to be furloughed.

Ministers should encourage employers to use the furlough scheme for parents and those shielding where other arrangements cannot be made, and run a major advertising campaign so that parents and shielders understand that they can use furlough.

The TUC says this situation results from the UK’s failure to help families balance paid work and childcare. Alongside a temporary right to furlough, it is calling on the government to introduce:

Ten days’ paid carers leave, from day one in a job, for all parents. Currently parents have no statutory right to paid leave to look after their children.
A right to flexible work for all parents. Flexible working can take lots of different forms, including having predictable or set hours, working from home, job-sharing, compressed hours and term-time working.
An increase in sick pay to at least the level of the real Living Wage, for everyone in work, to ensure workers can afford to self-isolate if they need to.
Newly self-employed parents to have access the self-employment income support scheme (SEISS).

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:“The safety of school staff and children must always come first. But the government’s lack of support for working parents is causing huge financial hardship and stress – and hitting low-paid mums and single parents hardest.

“Just like in the first lockdown, mums are shouldering the majority of childcare. Tens of thousands of mums have told us they are despairing. It’s neither possible nor sustainable for them to work as normal, while looking after their children and supervising schoolwork.

“Making staff take weeks of unpaid leave isn’t the answer. Bosses must do the right thing and offer maximum flexibility to mums and dads who can’t work because of childcare. And as a last resort, parents must have a temporary right to be furloughed where their boss will not agree.

“The UK’s parental leave system is one of the worst in Europe. It’s time for the government to give all parents the right to work flexibly, plus at least ten days’ paid carers leave each year.”

Founder of Mother Pukka Anna Whitehouse said: “What working parents have been tasked with in lockdown is not humanly possible. You’re looking at an average eight hour working day, six hour school day, 12 hours of parenting wrapped around that – that’s 26 hours in a 24 hour day. And I’m hearing daily from women who are stepping back, standing down and logging off because they’re burning out.

“Some are quitting out of choice, many not. Because who looks after kids home-schooling? Who looks after pandemic patients when out of hospital? Who takes a Tesco shop to elderly neighbours? Who runs community What’s App groups making sure everyone has everything they need?

“This unpaid labour is mainly strapped to female shoulders because – for all the International Women’s Days Sellotaped together – that’s the current working world we live in.

“One thing that can change right now is seeing the Government supporting all businesses to enable them to offer a much more flexible solution and furlough. The system needs to step up for parents before we step back to the 1950s.”

Founder and CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed Joeli Brearley said: “The parents of young children are currently being asked to either sacrifice their income or their child’s education and care; placing them in an impossible situation.

“We know that this burden is predominantly falling to mothers, and the consequences for maternal employment will be disastrous.

“What we are seeing here is a cry for help on a massive scale. Our advice lines are awash with mothers who have no idea how to care for their children and maintain their paid employment when their employer is refusing to furlough them.

“This is an emergency and if the government doesn’t step in soon there will be a generational roll back in maternal employment that will take us decades to repair.”

Letters: Volunteer with Action for M.E.

Dear Editor

The serious neurological condition Myalgic Encephalomylitis (M.E.) will sadly be all too familiar to some of your readers: at least 20,000 children and adults in Scotland live with M.E., also diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or M.E./CFS).

Many face barriers in accessing health and social care services that meet their needs, and some professionals still don’t understand the impact of M.E. and its symptoms.

UK charity Action for M.E. is trying to change this by offering people with M.E. across Scotland one-to-one advocacy, via phone and email, to help them be heard, understand their rights and access support.

We want to expand this much-needed service, and are seeking enthusiastic volunteers in Scotland who can make the most of our online advocate training programme to develop their skills, gain valuable experience, and help improve the lives of vulnerable people with M.E., all from home.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more can call, email or visit our website – we would love to hear from good listeners who can spare two hours a week.

Alice Cranston

Advocacy Coordinator, Action for M.E.

Tel: 0117 927 9551

Email: advocacy@actionforme.org.uk

Website: www.actionforme.org.uk/advocacy

Dental group to continue offering treatments through lockdown

SCOTLAND’S largest dental group has announced it will continue to provide its patients with essential dental care treatments throughout the second national lockdown.

Clyde Munro Dental Group has reassured its patients they will be able to receive fundamental care in all 45 of the group’s practices, with the exception of a few treatments.

The group’s three Edinburgh practices, Earl Grey Dental Practice, Gilmore Dental and Bellstane Dental Care, will remain open throughout lockdown for essential dental work.

Essential travel, including leaving home for healthcare, has been permitted by the Scottish Government meaning patients can travel to their dental surgery for a scheduled appointment.

Patient safety is deemed Clyde Munro’s number one priority with measures introduced throughout all of its practices.

Jim Hall, founder and Chief Executive of Clyde Munro, said: “Once again we have gone into national lockdown in order to keep our loved ones safe, but we would like to reassure all our patients that our practices will remain open during this period and our practices will be available to carry out essential dental care throughout this lockdown.

“The safety of our staff and patients is our top priority and we have worked hard to ensure we have in place all the necessary precautions to safely provide the essential care our patients need during this challenging time.

“Please contact your local Clyde Munro practice to find out what treatments are available to you.”

Those attending their practice are asked to observe a wide range of safety procedures which include, filling in forms digitally before attending, using on site sanitising stations, observing strict social distancing, and paying by contactless methods where possible.

Virtual consultations with dentists are also available for patients using a video link prior to visiting the practice.

Patients with dental emergencies are also being encouraged to call their practice during opening hours, or contact NHS 24 on 111 out with opening hours.

Clyde Munro was founded by Jim Hall in 2015 with the acquisition of seven practices. Since then, it has enjoyed rapid growth through acquisition and has plans to continue expanding.

It now comprises 45 practices across Scotland, with more than 200 dentists, 350 staff and 400,000 patients. The group’s ambition is to become Scotland’s “local dentist”, operating an expanding network of family dentists across Scotland, with each devoted to providing the best dental care, while reflecting the needs and character of its community.

Childline delivers over 3,000 counselling sessions to children in Scotland

Increase in average monthly number of counselling sessions about mental health with children aged 12-15
Since last March due to challenges posed by the pandemic, Childline’s volunteer numbers have dropped by 40%
NSPCC Scotland is calling on the public to take on 2021 with them to help make this a better year for children
Childline, a service provided by the NSPCC, is urgently appealing for more evening and weekend volunteers

The NSPCC is warning about the devastating impact of the pandemic on children, as new figures reveal Childline has held more than 3,000 counselling sessions about mental and emotional health with young people from Scotland since lockdown measures were first introduced.

The latest data from the NSPCC shows there has been an increase in contacts about this issue from children aged 12 to 15, across the country, since the end of March last year.

In the latter nine months of 2020, the average monthly number of contacts from this age group was 100 compared to 88 in the first three months of the year.

Across the UK, the service has now delivered a total of 54,926 counselling sessions to children of all ages on this issue from April to the end of December against the backdrop of the pandemic.

Childline counselling is delivered by volunteers and in response to these latest worrying figures and with COVID restrictions continuing, the service is urgently appealing to those who can spare four hours one evening a week or at the weekend to volunteer at either our Glasgow or Aberdeen base, so Childline can be here for children when they need us the most.

With schools closed to the majority of pupils until at least February and the whole of mainland Scotland in lockdown, Childline has never been more important as a source of support for young people who are struggling. Now more than ever, it is essential that children are not left isolated, alone and unsupported.

Over the past ten months, the NSPCC-run service’s trained counsellors have heard first-hand the devastating impact that the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic have had on young people’s mental health.

Children who contacted Childline’s trained counsellors about their mental health spoke about concerns including loneliness, low mood, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

Some have been feeling isolated and overwhelmed due to concerns about family members catching the virus, or school closures and cancelled exams – while others have felt cut off from support networks and are missing family and friends.

One girl aged 16 who contacted Childline said: “I feel really sad and lonely. I need to talk to someone because I don’t really have anyone right now.

“I am really struggling with the whole isolation thing. Most days I find myself just lost in my own thoughts and feeling numb. I am classed as a vulnerable person, so my isolation lasts for 12 weeks, which seems like a lifetime.”

Since the first lockdown last year, mental health has remained the top concern that children and young people talked to Childline about.

The service has delivered an average of 346 counselling sessions every month on this issue with the numbers fluctuating throughout the year as the situation changes and Covid restrictions were lifted and re-imposed. Since the latest national lockdown many children have been reaching out and talking about this and Childline is continuing to support them with their worries.

During the pandemic, Childline has continued to adapt to ensure it can still be here for children including developing online training so volunteers can answer emails from young people remotely. However, despite this, since last March volunteer numbers have dropped by 40%.

Volunteering for Childline is just one of the ways to help make 2021 a better year for children.

Despite, the latest national lockdown, Childline will remain open and staff and volunteers have been given key worker status to continue their vital work. Sparing a few hours, one evening a week or at the weekend volunteering at a local Childline base can help ensure Childline continues to support children who often have nowhere to turn.

But there is also a range of other ways to support the charity, including taking on a sponsored challenge, Kick the Caffeine, or fundraising in the community.

https://youtu.be/cbCBGTtbd-U

Childline Founder and President, Dame Esther Rantzen said: “With schools now shut again and children spending more time behind closed doors, it is absolutely imperative that Childline is there for them.

“Many young people, especially those in unsafe homes, are feeling desperately anxious and depressed. School can be the only safe haven they know, and without that support they feel entirely alone. For them, Childline is literally a life-line.

“But the service urgently needs more volunteers to listen to and support children, and more funds to pay for their calls and on-line contacts, and for that we depend upon the generosity and compassion of the public.

“It is the NSPCC’s mission to make 2021 a better year for children, and with your help we can make this dream a reality.”

Lou Bewick, who is a Childline volunteer counsellor in the Glasgow base, said: “Each shift I work, I hear from children and young people about how this pandemic has affected their life, and how it has impacted their mental and emotional health.

“Childline is here for children, and will continue to offer support from trained counsellors when they contact us about anything that worries them.

“However, we currently can’t answer every child so, if you can, please sign up and volunteer for Childline and help us reach every child who needs our support.”

The NSPCC has been supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery who provided crucial funding of £1,000,000 to Childline last year, the equivalent of running the service for an entire month.

Children can call Childline on 0800 11 11 from 7.30am to 3.30 am from Monday to Friday or 9am to 3.30am at weekends.

They can also can get in touch via www.childline.org.uk

Stress: Tips for parents

Some useful tips from CHILD MIND INSTITUTE for parents trying to cope during the latest lockdown:

Focus on basic needs

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start with the basic needs of yourself and your child: getting good sleep, eating healthy foods and doing some physical activity.

When those basic needs are taken care of, you can set additional goals. Begin with what has to get done. Then, consider adding what you’d like to get done.

Take small breaks

To be able to help your child, it’s important that you also take care of yourself. Small breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just to stretch, take some deep breaths or drink water, can help you manage stress and feel more in control.

Ask for help

There’s nothing wrong with asking for help from your community or support network. You can seek support from your child’s teacher, your faith or spiritual community, another parent or a family member. Remember that when you ask for help, you’re modelling that behaviour for your child, too.

Be kind to yourself

When you’re having a challenging day, imagine a good friend, partner or parent by your side, giving you support and help. Talk to yourself the way this person would talk to you. Remember that self-compassion is a skill you can develop through practice.

Stay connected

When trying to balance work and parenting, it can be hard to make time to connect with friends and family. Consider scheduling regular check-ins with your support system. These conversations can help structure your days and give you something to look forward to. Even a 5-minute chat can help you feel connected.

Celebrate small victories

Remind yourself that you’re a good parent doing the best you can. Every success is worth celebrating, no matter how small. Try keeping a list of what you did well each day and focus on these when you’re feeling frustrated.

Accept uncertainty

If you’re experiencing a lot of uncertainty, you may be feeling uncomfortable or exhausted. Try practising acceptance and make decisions based on the information you have now. When planning for the future, avoid focusing on worst-case scenarios. Taking a rational approach can be a big help when you’re feeling powerless against uncertainty.

Practise empathy

This current situation is difficult for everyone, your child included. It’s normal for children to be anxious, which may make them act out. If your child’s emotions or behaviour get out of hand, take a few deep breaths. Have a calm discussion about the issue with your child. You can acknowledge what your child is feeling and be honest about your own feelings, too. When things are going well, be generous with praise and reinforce positive behaviour.

Foreign Travel: UK launches Global Health Insurance Card

UK’s new Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) launched as part of UK / EU deal
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) will gradually replace existing European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC)

UK residents will now be able to apply for a UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), the UK Government announced yesterday.

Under Britain’s new agreement with the EU, UK residents’ rights to emergency and medically necessary healthcare will continue when travelling in the EU. This includes medically necessary treatment for a pre-existing or chronic condition.

Current European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are valid as long as they are in date and people can continue to use these when travelling to the EU.

The public only need to apply for their new GHIC when their current EHIC expires. Both cards will offer equivalent protection for emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs when in the EU on a temporary stay, which includes holiday, study and business travel.

The new GHIC card is free to obtain from the official GHIC website. People should apply at least 2 weeks before they plan to travel to ensure their card arrives on time.

Minister for Health Edward Argar said: “Our deal with the EU ensures the right for our citizens to access necessary healthcare on their holidays and travels to countries in the EU will continue.

“The GHIC is a key element of the UK’s future relationship with the EU and will provide certainty and security for all UK residents.”

Cover for emergency and medically necessary healthcare is part of a wider healthcare agreement struck with the EU that will see continued cooperation on healthcare for UK residents.

If a UK resident is travelling without a card, they are still entitled to necessary healthcare and should contact the NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) (which covers the whole of the UK), who can arrange for payment should they require treatment when abroad.

EU member state EHICs will continue to be accepted by the NHS.

Alongside the deal with the EU, the UK is open to agreeing further reciprocal healthcare arrangements that can support UK residents when they travel.

The government always advises that anyone travelling overseas, whether to the EU or elsewhere in the world, should take out comprehensive travel insurance.

Rory Boland, Which? Travel Editor, said: “The launch of the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is good news for consumers after we warned holidaymakers in Europe could face eye-watering medical bills if a reciprocal healthcare agreement was not part of a Brexit deal.

“We have seen and reported a number of unscrupulous copycat websites charging people to apply for free GHICs, so anyone looking to apply must remain vigilant and only use the official NHS website.

“It is important to remember the GHIC covers fewer countries than the EHIC, so travellers should check they can use it before going abroad. We’d also advise holidaymakers to still buy travel insurance as soon as they book a holiday, so they are covered for other issues that may arise such as cancellations and lost luggage.”

The rip-off websites trying to get people to pay to apply for Ghic

All UK residents are eligible to apply for a GHIC which will be valid and recognised in the EU.

GHIC is free via the official website. Any sites which include a charging fee are in no way affiliated with the official NHSBSA GHIC service.

New project to support families of drug users

A new project which helps the families of people at risk of dying through drugs will start work this month.

Families as Lifesavers, which is being funded through the Drugs Deaths Taskforce, helps family members to increase their understanding of drug addiction, while building coping strategies and helping them to continue to support their relative.

The project, run by Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, is one of a number of schemes funded through the taskforce.

Minister for Drugs Policy Angela Constance said: “Finding out that a loved-one is using drugs, and might even be at risk of losing their lives to their addiction, is one of the toughest things any family can face. People want to know the best way to respond, and what they might be able to do to help. They also want to feel they are not alone.

“As Minister for Drugs Policy I recognise that we not only have to help people who are facing problems with drugs, we also need to help their family members. Help and support is available from a number of sources, including dedicated charities like Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs.

“By funding Families as Lifesavers, and projects like it, we can help ensure that people who are in this terrible position are properly supported.”

Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs CEO Justina Murray said: “Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs warmly welcomes this two-year investment from the Drug Deaths Task Force for our Families as Lifesavers initiative. This recognises the critical role that families have, day in and day out, in supporting those at high risk of drug-related death.

“We know that families do so much behind the scenes, largely unsupported and unrecognised, to help keep their loved ones safe and to try to keep them alive.

“Our Families As Lifesavers initiative enables us to provide enhanced and intensive wraparound support to family members who believe their loved ones are at high risk of drug-related death.

“This includes learning more about harm reduction, addiction and recovery; increasing their confidence, skills and connections; and focusing on advocacy and self-care.”

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Council Leader: ‘Stay away from Holyrood demo’

Demonstrators ‘not welcome’

City Council Leader Adam McVey is urging members of the public to stay at home and not attend a planned demonstration at the Scottish Parliament today.

The council leader said: “We’ve been liaising with Police Scotland and we fully support their advice that people should stay at home. While people are entitled to express their opinions, to do so in this way and at this time puts our residents at unnecessary additional risk.

“This simply isn’t safe. To attend a protest like this now would be incredibly selfish and those doing so would be putting our families and communities at greater risk when numbers of transmissions are already far too high in Edinburgh.

“This attempt to create a crowd is utterly disrespectful to our businesses and residents who are sacrificing so much to try and keep all of us safe.

“Anyone thinking of breaking the rules by travelling to Edinburgh to attend this event should not do so – they are not welcome.”